Defending Your Rights

Civil Rights

The Attorney General's Civil Rights Bureau enforces civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination. The bureau also advocates for legislation to strengthen the laws and participates in community outreach programs.

The mission of the Civil Rights Bureau is to protect the civil rights guarantees of Illinois citizens, including all rights existing under constitutional, statutory, administrative or common law. The bureau investigates complaints of "pattern and practice" discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and financial matters.

The Civil Rights Bureau

• reviews and responds to constituent complaints directed to the Attorney General involving civil rights issues

• conducts investigations of possible civil rights violations based upon patterns or practices that have a significant impact in Illinois

• litigates cases where the investigation indicates such action is warranted

• monitors and proposes legislation and administrative rules that involve civil rights concerns with a view toward making recommendations

Civil Rights Links and Documents:

Civil Rights Complaint Form